As an IELTS Writing Task 2 expert, I’ve observed that questions related to environmental issues, particularly the impact of industrialization, frequently appear in IELTS exams. This topic is not only relevant to current global concerns but also allows candidates to showcase their knowledge of complex societal challenges. In this article, we’ll explore sample essays addressing how to manage the environmental impact of industrialization, providing insights for different band scores.
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
The environmental impact of industrialization is a growing concern worldwide. Some people believe that the government should take primary responsibility for managing this issue, while others argue that individuals and businesses should play a more significant role. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that governments should take primary responsibility
- Discuss the view that individuals and businesses should play a more significant role
- Present their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring example.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The escalating environmental consequences of industrial development have sparked a debate about who should bear the primary responsibility for mitigating these effects. While some argue that governments should take the lead, others contend that individuals and businesses should play a more prominent role. In my opinion, an effective solution requires a collaborative effort from all sectors of society.
Those who advocate for government leadership in managing industrialization’s environmental impact have several compelling arguments. Firstly, governments possess the legislative power to enact and enforce environmental regulations on a national scale. They can implement policies such as carbon taxes, emission standards, and incentives for green technologies, which can significantly influence industrial practices. Moreover, governments have the resources and authority to invest in large-scale environmental projects, such as reforestation initiatives or the development of renewable energy infrastructure, which are often beyond the scope of individual or corporate efforts.
On the other hand, proponents of increased individual and business responsibility argue that these entities are directly involved in industrial activities and should therefore take a more active role in environmental stewardship. Businesses, in particular, have the potential to innovate and develop cleaner technologies and production methods. By adopting sustainable practices, companies can reduce their environmental footprint while potentially improving their efficiency and public image. Individuals, through their consumption choices and lifestyle decisions, can also exert significant influence on industrial practices by supporting environmentally responsible products and companies.
In my view, the most effective approach to managing the environmental impact of industrialization involves a synergistic effort from governments, businesses, and individuals. Governments should provide the regulatory framework and incentives to guide sustainable industrial development, while businesses should invest in eco-friendly innovations and practices. Simultaneously, individuals should make conscious choices to support sustainable products and lifestyles. This multi-faceted approach ensures that all sectors of society contribute to environmental protection, maximizing the potential for significant and lasting change.
In conclusion, while the debate often focuses on whether governments or individuals and businesses should take primary responsibility, I believe that the complexity of the issue demands a collaborative solution. By combining the regulatory power of governments, the innovative potential of businesses, and the collective impact of individual choices, we can more effectively address the environmental challenges posed by industrialization.
(Word count: 375)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates several qualities of a high band score (8-9):
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Each paragraph has a clear central topic.
- Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Examples include “escalating environmental consequences”, “mitigating these effects”, and “synergistic effort”.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used effectively.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The environmental problems caused by industrialization are becoming more serious around the world. Some people think the government should be mainly responsible for solving this issue, while others believe individuals and companies should do more. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, many people think the government should take the lead in managing environmental problems from industries. This is because the government has the power to make laws and regulations that companies must follow. For example, they can set limits on pollution and fine companies that don’t obey. The government also has more money to invest in big projects like cleaning up rivers or developing clean energy. These things are often too expensive for individuals or small businesses to do.
On the other hand, some argue that individuals and businesses should play a bigger role. Companies are directly involved in industrial activities, so they should take responsibility for reducing their impact on the environment. They can invest in cleaner technologies and find ways to produce less waste. Individuals can also help by choosing to buy products from environmentally friendly companies and by reducing their own waste and energy use. If many people do this, it can have a big effect on how businesses operate.
In my opinion, both the government and individuals/businesses need to work together to manage the environmental impact of industrialization. The government should set clear rules and provide support, while businesses and individuals should take action in their daily activities. This way, everyone is involved in protecting the environment.
To conclude, while there are arguments for both government and individual/business responsibility, I believe a combination of both approaches is necessary to effectively address the environmental challenges of industrialization.
(Word count: 295)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates qualities of a Band 6-7 score:
- Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though the ideas could be more fully developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical.
- Lexical Resource: There is a sufficient range of vocabulary, but some repetition occurs. The essay lacks the sophistication of higher band scores.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control, though errors occur when more complex structures are attempted.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Industrialization (noun) /ɪnˌdʌstriəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the development of industries in a country on a wide scale
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Emissions (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – the production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation
- Regulatory (adjective) /ˈreɡjələtɔːri/ – serving or intended to regulate something
- Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – the action or process of innovating
- Stewardship (noun) /ˈstjuːədʃɪp/ – the job of supervising or taking care of something
- Synergistic (adjective) /ˌsɪnəˈdʒɪstɪk/ – relating to the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect greater than the sum of the individual elements
- Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – not harmful to the environment
- Carbon tax (noun) /ˈkɑːbən tæks/ – a tax on fossil fuels, especially those used by motor vehicles, intended to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide
Conclusion
The topic of managing the environmental impact of industrialization is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of technology in solving environmental problems
- Balancing economic growth with environmental protection
- The effectiveness of international agreements on climate change
- The impact of consumer behavior on industrial practices
- The challenges of implementing sustainable industrial practices in developing countries
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to fully address the question, organize your ideas coherently, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Practice writing essays on these topics and consider sharing them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.
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